In Norse myth, swans were born out of Ginnungagap (”seeming emptiness”) when the fire of Múspellsheimr (”flame-land”) in the south met the cold of Niflheimr (”mist-land”) in the north. Fire and frost were the primary elements of Norse mythology. The frost drops melted and the water poured into the vast chasm of Ginnungagap, out of…
Shaw
“By Faith and Fortitude” The Shaws were one of the principal branches of the Clan Mackintosh, a branch in turn of the Earls of Fife, and ultimately of the old royal family of Dalriada. The name Mackintosh derives from Mac-an-toiseach (son of the commander). The first chief was Shaw Macduff, second son of Duncan Macduff, Earl of…
Favorite Quotes
“Busy hands are happy hands.” — Grandma Swanstrom (1901-1979) “It is impossible for anyone to begin to learn that which he thinks he already knows.” — Epictetus (c55-c135), Discourses, ii, 17. “If you would be a good reader, read; if a writer, write.” — Epictetus (c55-c135), Discourses, ii, 18. “Never lick a gift horse in the mouth.” — Brian Reedy,…
Order of St. Lazarus
The Hospitaller Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem was one of the three great military orders of knighthood in the Middle Ages. Legendary History According to legendary sources, the Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus pre-dates the Crusades. Tradition says that Saint Basil the Great, Archbishop of Cæsarea, founded a leper hospital near Cæsarea…
Ulrich Howry’s Estate (1724)
Ulrich Howry, a Mennonite, was granted 150 acres at Conestoga, Pennsylvania in 1717 and enjoined to be naturalized. He died in 1723, dividing his estate between his “brethren” and his widow Barbara. Barbara Howry’s Bond as Administrator of Wolrick Howry’s Estate transcribed by Pat Sorenson Know all men by these presents that wee Barbara Howry…